Five Ways to Have a More Empowered Pelvic Exam

Pelvic Exam. Possibly one of the most anxiety-riddled phrases known to the female-bodied population. It is a phrase that often evokes images of patients lying in a paper gown with their feet in stirrups while a doctor places a spotlight on their genitals and proceeds to poke around, for what seems like an eternity. It can be awkward. Terribly awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. And it’s necessary to remember that a routine pelvic exam is an important part of healthcare for female-bodied people.

What to expect during a pelvic exam

During this routine visit, the doctor will discuss any health-related questions or concerns you have, maybe discuss birth control options and safe sex practices, recommend testing for STIs, and give you any advice for your overall wellness. At this visit, the doctor will also conduct a physical exam which includes breast, vulvar, and rectal exams, as well as a pap smear. Pap smear. The main event of a pelvic exam and the part most people are afraid of.

So, what is a pap smear? A pap smear is a routine screening that occurs during a pelvic exam. The doctor will insert a speculum to gently open the walls of your vagina and then use a long cotton swab to delicately wipe some cells from your cervix (your cervix is the muscle that serves as the opening of your uterus). The swab will then go to the lab where it will be screened for any abnormalities, including pre-cancer or cancer cells.

Having a pap smear can be a very vulnerable experience. I mean, you’re lying on your back with your feet in stirrups, it doesn’t get more vulnerable than that. But, there are several ways to make your routine pelvic exam and pap smear a more empowering experience. Here are five ways how:

1. Speak up

Having a pelvic exam can cause a lot of anxiety, especially if it’s your first one. Talking about it can help alleviate your fear. Letting the doctor know you are nervous gives you both the opportunity to have an open dialogue about it. Knowing what the exam entails, what it will feel like, and how long it will last can help you mentally prepare, which can help reduce tension, which will help reduce anxiety and even physical discomfort.

2. Get hands-on

If the idea of having a stranger open your vaginal muscles makes you feel embarrassed, ask to insert the speculum yourself. Many doctors appreciate the willingness of patients to get involved. Plus, it can help you feel more in control.

3. Swab yourself

This is on par with suggestion number two. Ask if you can do the swabbing yourself. Doing this allows you to become familiar with your anatomy and lets you to dictate the pressure of the swab.

4. Take a peek

Not everyone has a speculum at home *(but you can buy one!) with which to examine their vagina or cervix, so, take advantage at your pelvic exam by asking the doctor if you can watch what they are doing. Many doctors have mirrors on-hand for you to follow along. Remember, it’s your body. It’s ok to look.

5. Cop a feel

During this routine exam, the doctor will do a breast exam and check the size of your uterus/ovaries by pressing on your stomach. Ask to do it, too. Have them show you how to conduct a breast and external pelvic exam so you will know how to do it at home. Plus, you will be able to identify any changes over time, hence, becoming body literate.

A pelvic exam might seem awkward, embarrassing, and even uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to be. Knowing what to expect and getting involved during your exam can help you feel more in control, can help you gain more understanding of your body, and can help empower you in a situation that might otherwise make you feel vulnerable. Be an active participant in your healthcare and utilize your pelvic exam as an opportunity to learn as much as you can.

When and how often to have a pelvic exam

It is generally recommended you schedule your first exam after you become sexually active (or just before if you are planning to use hormonal birth control or **LARCs). If you have not become sexually active by age 21, it’s time to schedule an exam. And then for routine healthcare screenings, schedule an exam every three years.

AMY SUTHERLAND - FOUNDER

Hey all! My name is Amy Sutherland (she/her), and I have been passionate about sexual health since before I hit puberty. I've spent most of my adult life working as a writer focusing on health and wellness. More particularly, women’s reproductive health.